A.T. Robertson Commentary 3 John 1

The beloved (τω αγαπητω). Four times in this short letter this verbal adjective is used of Gaius (here, 2,5,11). See 2 John 1:1 for the same phrase here, "whom I love in truth."

I pray (ευχομα). Here only in John's writings. See Ro 9:3.

In all things (περ παντων). To be taken with ευοδουσθα and like περ in 1 Corinthians 16:1, "concerning all things."

Thou mayest prosper (σε ευοδουσθα). Infinitive in indirect discourse (object infinitive) after ευχομα, with accusative of general reference σε (as to thee). Ευοδοω is old verb (from ευοδος, ευ and οδος, prosperous in a journey), to have a good journey, to prosper, in LXX, in N.T. only this verse (twice), 1 Corinthians 16:2; Romans 1:10.

Be in health (υγιαινειν). In Paul this word always means sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:3), but here and in Lu 5:31; 7:10; 15:27, of bodily health. Brooke wonders if Gaius' health had caused his friends anxiety.

Even as thy soul prospereth (καθως ευοδουτα σου η ψυχη). A remarkable comparison which assumes the welfare (present middle indicative of ευοδοω) of his soul (ψυχη here as the principle of the higher life as in Joh 12:27, not of the natural life as in Mt 6:25).

I rejoiced greatly (εχαρην λιαν). As in 2 John 1:4; Php 4:10, not epistolary aorist, but reference to his emotions at the good tidings about Gaius.

When brethren came (ερχομενων αδελφων). Genitive absolute with present middle participle of ερχομα, and so with μαρτυρουντων (bare witness, present active participle of μαρτυρεω). Present participle here denotes repetition, from time to time.

To the truth (τη αληθεια). Dative case. "As always in the Johannine writings, 'truth' covers every sphere of life, moral, intellectual, spiritual" (Brooke).

Even as thou walkest in truth (καθως συ εν αληθεια περιπατεις). "Thou" in contrast to Diotrephes (verse 9) and others like him. On περιπατεω see 1 John 1:6 and on εν αληθεια see 2 John 1:4.

Greater (μειζοτεραν). A double comparative with -τερος added to μειζων, like our "lesser" and like μαλλον κρεισσον (more better) in Php 1:23. In Eph 3:8 we have ελαχιστοτερω, a comparative on a superlative. Like forms occur in the vernacular papyri and even in Homer (χειροτερος, more worse) as also in Shakespeare.

Joy (χαραν). B reads χαριν (grace).

Than this (τουτων). Ablative neuter plural after the comparative.

To hear of (ινα ακουω). Object clause (epexegetic) with ινα and ακουω, the present active subjunctive (keep on hearing of) in apposition with τουτων,

Walking in truth (εν αληθεια περιπατουντα). As in 2 John 1:4, which see. By the use of τεκνα John may mean that Gaius is one of his converts (1 Timothy 1:1).

A faithful work (πιστον). Either thus or "thou makest sure," after an example in Xenophon quoted by Wettstein (ποιειν πιστα) and parallel to καινα ποιεω in Re 21:5. But it is not certain.

In whatsoever thou doest (ο εαν εργαση). Indefinite relative with modal εαν (=αν) and the first aorist middle subjunctive of εργαζομα. See Col 3:23 for both ποιεω and εργαζομα in the same sentence.

And strangers withal (κα τουτο ξενους). "And that too" (accusative of general reference as in 1 Corinthians 6:6; Ephesians 2:8). This praise of hospitality (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2) shows that in 2 John 1:10 John has a peculiar case in mind.